NHL Today: Letang Sets Record As Penguins Blowout Islanders; Hawks & B’s Linked In Trade Rumor

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Thursday, December 28, and here’s what’s happening around the NHL today.

Letang Sets Record, Islanders Blown Out By Pens:

The New York Islanders sustained their worst loss of the season Wednesday night, falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-0 at UBS Arena. Ilya Sorokin was left hung out to dry in goal for New York as teammates in front of him resembled turnstiles.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang accomplished something never done before by an NHL defenseman, assisting on five goals in a single period.

Positive Night For Pittsburgh:

All around, it was a great night for Pittsburgh. Along with Letang’s record, Evgeni Malkin tallied his 484th career goal, giving him the second most among a Russian-born player in NHL history. Meanwhile, young Valtteri Puustinen potted the first goal of his career.

Here’s the reaction from inside the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room at UBS Arena last night.

Blackhawks And Bruins Linked In Trade Rumor:

The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t done tearing it down quite yet.

According to a report, veteran center Tyler Johnson is on the trade block and the center-hungry Boston Bruins are one team supposedly interested.

Johnson, 33, is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has been with the Blackhawks for the last three seasons.

In 33 games this season, Johnson has 11 points with seven goals.

Yesterday’s Scoreboard:

Penguins: 7, Islanders: 0

Devils: 4, Blue Jackets: 3 (OT)

Rangers: 5, Capitals: 1

Hurricanes: 5, Predators: 2

Panthers: 3, Lightning: 2

Senators: 4, Maple Leafs: 2

Bruins: 4, Sabres: 1

Wild: 6, Red Wings: 3

Blues: 2, Stars: 1

Coyotes: 5, Avalanche: 4 (OT)

Blackhawks: 2, Jets: 1 (OT)

Kraken: 2, Flames: 1

Ducks: 5, Golden Knights: 2

Kings: 5, Sharks: 1

Today’s Schedule:

All Times EST

Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.

Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m.

More From National Hockey Now:

New Jersey: James Nichols explains the somewhat puzzling move by the New Jersey Devils who called up goalie Nico Daws from the AHL.

Florida: Aaron Eklbad has been a foundational piece in the lineup of the Florida Panthers for years and is quietly having one of the best seasons of his career.

San Jose: In a brutal season, the young San Jose Sharks are learning nothing comes easy in the NHL. Especially scoring goals.

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